Archive for October, 2011

With the start of Advent on Nov. 27, Catholics will begin using a new, and much-discussed, translation of the Mass. Along with this there are two brand new texts for a Mass “For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life.” This is the result of a long process that actually started with Cardinal John O’Connor of New York more than 20 years ago.

The opening prayer for the first of these masses reads as follows:

God our Creator,
we give thanks to you,
who alone have the power to impart the breath of life
as you form each of us in our mother’s womb;
grant, we pray,
that we, whom you have made stewards of creation,
may remain faithful to this sacred trust
and constant in safeguarding the dignity
of every human life.

Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, explained the significance of this new text.

“Drawing images from Genesis 2:7 and Psalm 139, the prayer affirms that only God can create. Parents cooperate with his creative power, but the conception of each new life is a direct choice and act of God,” Father Pavone said. “He alone owns human life — not parents, nor doctors, nor government — and he alone can take it.

Our role, as the prayer indicates, is to carry out a “sacred trust” as “stewards.” In “The Gospel of Life,” Blessed John Paul II said it this way: “Yes, every man is his ‘brother’s keeper’, because God entrusts us to one another” (EV, 19). Some think it’s none of their business to defend the life of someone else’s child. But God Himself makes it our business. The child scheduled to be killed today by abortion is our brother, our sister, our sacred trust.

“We safeguard human life in a variety of ways, including speaking words of encouragement, teaching, assisting parents, and shaping public policy. This mass text is especially appropriate to use in pro-life gatherings of those who work in the legislative and political arena”

The opening prayer for the second of these Masses reads,

O God, who adorn creation with splendor and beauty
and fashion human lives in your image and likeness,
awaken in every heart
reverence for the work of your hands,
and renew among your people
a readiness to nurture and sustain
your precious gift of human life.

“Echoing the imagery of Psalm 104 and drawing from Genesis 1:26, this prayer focuses on how human life itself reflects the image of the Creator, and therefore should evoke in our hearts a reverence and awe which should outweigh any fear in welcoming or defending human life,” Father Pavone said.

Father Pavone said this Mass is especially appropriate to use in gatherings of those who assist moms and dads in pregnancy centers, and who do spiritual and educational work in the pro-life movement.

Priests for Life has alerted every priest in the nation today regarding the texts and urges every priest to use them frequently.

Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit Priests for Life
.

A few seconds after midnight a baby emerged from the womb of its mother, drew its first breath, and announced its arrival into the world with a tiny cry. This is Baby Seven Billion. Today, 31 October 2011, is its birthday.

This day—the day that our planet becomes home to seven billion human beings—marks an important milestone. But is it a milestone on humanity’s upward path that we should celebrate, or a warning of impending catastrophe over which we should despair?

For the population controllers at the UN Population Fund and Planned Parenthood the answer is clear: They would have preferred that Baby Seven Billion had never been born.

We, on the other hand, celebrate the birth of Baby Seven Billion. This little child has been born into a world that is more prosperous than our forebears could ever have imagined.

As our numbers have grown, incomes have soared. In 1800, when there were only 1 billion of us, per capita income worldwide was a mere $100. By 1927 our numbers had doubled, but incomes had already increased five times to $500. By the time we reached 3 billion in 1960, income had tripled again to $1500. Today, as we pass the 7 billion mark, per capita income has soared to $9,000.

In 2100, when the population will be between 7 and 8 billion (and falling), it is projected to be $30,000 in current dollars.

Driving the so-called “population explosion” has been a real explosion in health and longevity. As late as the 19th century, four out of every 10 children died before reaching age five. Today under-five mortality is under 6 percent and falling. Two hundred years ago, human life expectancy was under 30 years. Today it is 69 years and climbing.

As people live longer, naturally there are more of us around at any given time.

By nearly every measure of well-being, from infant mortality and life expectancy to educational level and caloric intake, life in Africa, Asia, and Latin America has been getting dramatically better. According to the World Bank, the average income in the developing world has quadrupled since 1960.

Enough grain is produced for every person on earth to consume 3,500 calories daily. There is no need for anyone to starve in the midst of this plenty.

Population has more than doubled since 1960, but crop yields per hectare have kept pace. World food and resource production has never been higher.

Economies continue to expand, productivity is up, and pollution is declining. Life spans are lengthening, poverty is down, and political freedom is growing. The human race has never been so well off.

In fact, underpopulation, not overpopulation, is the real threat that much of the world faces today. Some 80 countries representing over half the world’s population suffer from below replacement fertility—defined as less than 2.1 children per woman.

The populations of the developed nations today are static or declining. The UN predicts that, by 2050, Russia’s population will have declined by 25 million people, Japan’s by 21 million, Italy’s by 16 million, and Germany’s and Spain’s by 9 million each. Europe and Japan are projected to lose half their population by 2100.

Countries with below replacement rate fertility will eventually die out. It’s just a question of time.

Even in the developing world family size has shrunk, from around 5 children per woman in 1960 to less than 3 today. And the decline continues.

According to the UN’s “low variant projection”—historically the most accurate—the population of the world will peak at 8 plus billion in 2040 or so, and then begin to decline.

High fertility rates are becoming rare. The UN numbers for 2010 show only 10 countries with population increase rates at or above 3.0 percent.

By 2050, persons aged 65 and above will be almost twice as numerous as children 15 years and younger. The economic consequences of population aging will be closing schools, declining stock markets, and moribund economies.

Ignoring these facts, the population controllers continue to spread their myth of overpopulation.

The UNFPA and other population control organizations are loath to report the truth about falling fertility rates worldwide, since they raise funds by frightening people with the specter of overpopulation. They tell us that too many babies are being born to poor people in developing countries. This is tantamount to saying that only the wealthy should be allowed to have children, and is a new form of global racism.

We should stop funding population control programs, and instead turn our attention to real problems, such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and infectious diseases. As mortality rates fall, so will birth rates.

Let us also join together in celebrating the birth of Baby Seven Billion. He or she is a sign of our future, our hope and our prosperity.

People are our greatest resource. Extraordinarily gifted people have helped to enrich civilization and lengthen life spans. But the fact is, everyone, rich or poor, is a unique creation with something priceless to offer to the rest of us.

Baby Seven Billion, boy or girl, red or yellow, black or white, is not a liability, but an asset. Not a curse, but a blessing. For all of us.

I just thought I’d run this letter I got from a reader without comment:

Hey guys. I’m sending you this message with a story and a thank you. I want to say thanks for whatever it is that you have done, are doing, and will do to further the abolition of abortion in the world. Unlike most men who participate in the pro-life movement, I have a very direct tie to it, and because of this reason, I will fight for the life of the unborn [among other things] until I take my last dying breath. Some know and have spoken with my wife on occasion, and some barely know who I am. Be that as it may, please accept my sincerest gratitude towards you and what work it is that we do to not only save the lives of the unborn, but completely remove this culture of death that we are surrounded by.

In early 2008 a young, 20-year-old woman went on her third date with a 24-year-old. Their relationship had been progressing slowly, but on this evening it seemed to be blossoming.

As the night ended a great date, as she was dropped off at her apartment, he asked if he could come in and “stay for a while.” Knowing what he was interested in, she politely declined. That’s when things turned violent.

She was knocked unconscious by the blow long enough for him to have his way with her body, and around 15 minutes later she awoke laying in her living room, pants pulled down, clothing ripped, and with a throbbing headache. Knowing immediately what had happened, she began to cry and showered.

A few short months after this event, she discovered that she was pregnant. Consequently, she had an immediate crisis of all sorts, emotionally, and most of all, of faith. She left her apartment that she shared with her roommate, quit her job, and moved across the country to live with family who could provide some sort of support. After a hectic nine months of living with an emotional, train-wrecking mother, a guilt-tripping grandmother, and a grandfather who meant well but just couldn’t express the Spanish proverbs well in English, she gave birth to a baby boy on Dec. 14, 2008.

What began then was 11 months of single-motherhood. Having to provide everything needed for a newborn was tough. Living paycheck to paycheck from a local music store, she was able to scrape everything together to put the young boy in daycare and provide the basic necessities for life through the charitable donations from crisis pregnancy centers. It was tough, but she had to survive—and survive she did.

On November 13, 2010, I took her hand in the holy sacrament of Matrimony, and signed the papers to adopt that little boy. This young woman, now my wife, allowed an amazing blessing to come forth from such a terrible act, and my life has been transformed because of it. It’s not that she never thought about abortion, but she knew, in her heart of hearts, that it was not an option.

This young woman is now a living example of the “hard cases” put forth by many who advocate for abortion. Rape and single-motherhood are things that can most certainly be overcome with a great desire for that new child—that life who now calls me Daddy, who loves monster trucks and dirt bikes, guitars, and Thomas the Train. There are many more involved than you can ever realize at first glance, and the life you change just might be the one you were least expecting.

I reached out to the Cain camp top get their official statement on his pro-life stance. This is what I received.

Dr. King,

Below is a statement for our supporters:

PRO-LIFE STATEMENT

As President Mr. Cain will uphold the prolife movement legislatively. But one cannot legislate morality in this situation. That’s the point he was trying to make in the Piers Morgan interview, but it was taken completely out of context. Yes, as President he will work to advance a culture of life. To stop abortion, winning the legal battle is not enough. We also have to win the moral battle, so that families make fully informed decisions. Mr. Cain believes that life begins at conception — and supports life until natural death.

As a culture, we cannot end abortion until we 1) accept that human life begins at conception and 2) understand that a human at the earliest stage of development is every bit as human as one in a later stage of development, out of the womb. A baby is no less human than an adult. The same principle applies in the womb. This is a civil rights issue. It has spiritual implications. Choices like these are not made by legislators. While politicians may have the power to make abortion illegal, the most important thing is to make people understand and respect life enough at all stages of development, from beginning to end.

There should be absolutely no question or concern that Mr. Cain is pro-life. It is also important to note that he is pro-America, pro-better quality of life, pro-improving the economy, and his out front 9-9-9 Jobs, Jobs, Jobs economic recovery plan is definitely a pro-better quality of life winner. Pizza Magnate Cain, Leader Cain, Statesman Cain – whatever you choose to call him – Herman Cain is pro-life, and in his own words, “end of story.”

Black Pro-Life leaders are carefully evaluating all presidential candidates and their positions concerning abortion and the right to life. Therefore, this letter is not an endorsement of Herman Cain’s candidacy for President; it is rather a recognition of his clear Pro-Life position and years of participation to end the staggering abortion rate in the Black community and in the general population of America.

We the undersigned stand in full support of Mr. Cain’s stated Pro-Life position of affirming life from conception until natural death; his strong support for a Human Life Amendment; and his history of involvement in the Pro-Life community’s fight for life. Cain’s pro-life stance, coupled with his history of support both financially and otherwise, clearly represent that Mr. Cain is a bona fide Pro-Life candidate.

Here are a few examples of Mr. Cain’s active involvement in issues related to the Pro-Life concerns: during his 2004 campaign for Senate in Georgia Mr. Cain made life one of his main issues, he signed Georgia Right to Life’s affirmation which is one of the more strict affirmations in the nation. And it is widely reported that he has made contributions exceeding a million dollars to promote the Pro-Life message in the Black Community.

The life issue in the Black community is a matter of urgency especially for those of us who are deeply concerned about the specific targeting of our community by Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers in the abortion industry. We have determined that Herman Cain’s position on abortion is consistent with those within the Pro-Life community.

In response to charges that Mr. Cain “sat out during the Civil Rights movement,” Walter B. Hoye II, President and Founder of the California Civil Rights Foundation, a 21st century Civil Rights Organization notes that Mr. Cain was a teenager at the time. With some exceptions, parents advised their children to commit to their studies rather than to take to the streets. Such was the case with Herman Cain whose father directed him to focus on school and to excel in his studies.

“By obeying and honoring his father, Mr. Cain was being prepared for 21st Century leadership,” says Hoye.

Alveda King in turn notes that while many Civil Rights leaders from the 20th century claim to be followers of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Black leaders like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Joseph Lowery and the Congressional Black Caucus have not produced results in advancing the causes of blacks throughout the country.

Blacks remain the highest percentages of unemployed, far higher than any other racial or ethnic group. Blacks also make up the highest percentage of unwed mothers, and abortions. “In stark contrast to the failed vision of many far-left black leaders, Mr. Cain believes in empowerment — not entitlement,” King observed.

Cain’s father Luther, Jr. worked three jobs as a chauffeur, barber and janitor to achieve with entrepreneurial vision. Like his father, Mr. Cain knows that family, faith and hard work are the keys to success. As a result Cain doesn’t play the “victim card,” but leads this 21st Century generation to achieve the American dream. Rather than blame the system, Cain finds solutions to fix the system. “Mr. Cain’s goal is to help improve all quality of life,” said King.

Responding to the critics who have distorted his stance on abortion, Hoye comments “Mr. Cain’s record as a Pro-Life candidate speaks for itself. He has donated $1 million of his own money to encourage black voters to vote pro-life. In his 2004 Senate campaign Mr. Cain made life a central issue. As he has made it clear time and time again, Mr. Cain is proud to continue to advance a culture of life for all persons, from creation until natural death, without exceptions.”

Alveda King further notes there should not be what the media is framing as a Battle of the Tax Plans. “Mr. Cain leads Tax Reform. While his political opponents were looking the other way, Mr. Cain came up with a solid Tax Plan. His 9-9-9 Plan MEANS JOBS, JOBS, JOBS. Now his opponents scramble for political expediency to oust Cain’s 9-9-9 while Leader Cain continues to frame the debate.”

King goes on to note Mr. Cain’s “Opportunity Zones” plan and his 9-0-9 plan to aid the poor are all part of what many are calling “sheer genius.”

Alveda concluded by saying: “While I no longer endorse political candidates, choosing the path of policy over politics, I admit that I am intrigued by the candidacy of Mr. Cain. He is a breath of fresh air.”

During a regular Saturday morning Mass in York, Pa., last week, eight people pledged their lives to the fight against abortion. For the new members of the Missionaries of Evangelium Vitae – or Missionaries of the Gospel of Life – this was not a promise made lightly.

Deacon Daniel Bernardy’s promise was rooted in his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer working in an orphanage in Iran.

Stephanie Burns made her first promise the day she was to have surgery for breast cancer, but found out she was pregnant instead.

For Maria Mullen, a journey that began 29 years ago in Mexico continues today with renewed vigor and commitment.

More than 206 have made lifetime pledges as MEVs, with more than 1,622 in formation around the world. Their stories are as varied as those of the “York Eight,” whose journey began in a “Life Cell” led by MEVs Peggy Pritchard and Vicki Crispo, and whose promises were accepted by Father Paul Schenk, director of Respect Life activities for the Diocese of Harrisburg.

The spirituality and mission of the Missionaries of the Gospel of Life have been shaped by the teaching and example of Pope John Paul II, author of “Evangelium Vitae,” and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The program was developed by Father Frank Pavone, National Director of the Priests for Life.

“What attracts the MEVs is the fact that pro-life is a spirituality,” said Father Pavone. “It’s not a hobby or an extracurricular activity. Rather, it flows from the very core of their faith, and from their commitment to be disciples of Jesus Christ. There they find both the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of pro-life activism.”

After decades involved in pro-life in Mexico, Mrs. Mullen has decided that for now, she will concentrate her efforts at home, raising her children as the next generation of pro-life warriors.

Mrs. Burns, who delivered a healthy son after her breast cancer diagnosis and is now cancer-free herself, is a junior high teacher at a Catholic school. She opens each class with a pro-life prayer to Mary, in the hopes of instilling “a respect for all life into my young students before they can be indoctrinated into the culture of death. After all, our future is in their hands.”

In addition to his many duties as a deacon, Deacon Bernardy can still be found outside abortion clinics with his “weapon of choice” – rosary beads.

Wendy Matarese has had an abortion, and her MEV promise allows her to reach out to other women who have been hurt by the lie that abortion is a solution to a problem.

“After more than a decade out of a state of grace, I went to Reconciliation and the Eucharist,” she said. “Without my association with the MEV and the grace of God, that may not have happened.”

To find out more about the MEV program, visit Missionaries of the Gospel of Life. To arrange an interview with Father Pavone, any of the York Eight, or Mrs. Pritchard and Mrs. Crispo, call Andre Kim at 347-286-7277.

Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit Priests for Life.

2 Timothy 2:23-26 says, “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to our knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”

During the last Presidential elections in America, the Lord instructed me to choose principles over politics. I was led to “stop endorsing and pray.” That’s why I don’t currently endorse any particular candidates or parties. Instead God has instructed me to pray for candidates and help to support politicians who will advance the culture of life in America.

I understand that in the political arena candidates have to try and put their best foot forward and downplay their faults. We are all human and thus flawed but nobody wants to admit it.

But in the political arena, it seems to me that not only do their flaws come out, but they are pounced upon by the other candidates. Candidates often plan to take the “high road“ but along the way are “pulled off the wall” in order to defend themselves and their position. I know this to be true because I was a candidate in the 1970’s and 1980’s. I generally chose to take my message door to door to the voters, and avoided political brawling. I won the race for the Georgia State Legislature Representative of the 28th District without a runoff as a result of this strategy. I have been an elected official and an appointed official, and have always found that strife and mudslinging is not the best way. I’m not criticizing anyone’s political strategies, just saying what worked for me.

It‘s really hard to be Christ Like and Kingdom minded in the middle of political battles. Let’s pray for all the candidates, those we like and those we are not so fond of. Even when we don’t agree with them, we can pray for them. As Christ taught us: “…and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” the Lord’s says.

Quarrelling among ourselves only shows a divided front in the pro-life movement. There are many opinions on how to go about ending abortion but we should support each other and not fight about what the best way to accomplish our goal.

The rescheduled MLK Memorial Dedication in DC last weekend was supercharged with mixed messages and contrasting motives.

For yours truly, one of the most memorable parts of the long-awaited event was a visit to the MLK Construction Trailer, where my mother, Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King, wife of my dad, slain civil rights strategist Rev. A. D. King joined other family members in placing items in the MLK Memorial Time Capsule. Mother placed the METAMORPHISIS video complete with the photo of her signature Blue Monarch Butterfly on the front. Mother is called the “Butterfly Queen.” She also included a copy of The Beloved Community Letter, and a copy of my book HOW CAN THE DREAM SURVIVE, with foreword by Father Frank Pavone.

After the Time Capsule, we continued on to REDEEM THE DREAM roundtable discussion at the FRC building near Capitol Hill. Prolife speakers and members of the national community gathered to discuss the state of the prolife movement in America. Peggy Hartshorn of Heartbeat International, Dean Nelson of Care-Net, Day Gardner of National Black Pro-Life Union, Walter Hoye of Issues4Life Institute, and local DC area Pastor John Peyton led the supercharged discussion. Other members of the National Black Pro-life Coalition, Mrs. Naomi King, and other community activists were also in attendance. Then there was a Heartbeat International “Meet and Greet” and the evening ended with a MLK Dedication Gala.

On the morning of the 10/16/11 MLK Dedication Ceremony there were the usual anti-life, anti-family tinged speeches from the Old Guard Civil Rights Community; Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and others. In a surprising turn of events, there was an unforgettable moment in human history; President Obama laid aside the political gauntlet to simply remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a man who dedicated his life in service to humanity. I really appreciated the gesture, and President Obama is in my prayers.

His speech, which he delivered in the presence of his wife, children, their grandmother; members of the King Family, and all gathered on that day to remember God’s prophet Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was poignant and subdued. First Lady Michelle Obama was there at his side as he stepped to the podium. The Obama family came to show their respect. Their daughters and their grandmother were on the front row watching. This was, after all, a very historic day.

As is always the case, Michelle was poised and lovely. I know that I will be stepping on a sacred cow when I say that she is every bit the fashion pacesetter that Jackie Kennedy was, but it’s true. Her sweater dress was just beautiful.

As President Obama spoke, I reflected on the man and his mission. President Obama sought and won the office of United States President. When he took office, he grasped the rein s of an unruly beast… a rebellious, idolatrous and greedy America… a nation out of control in so many ways.

As one who has been elected to and also appointed to public office, having served in those two capacities once as a Democrat and once as a Republican, I can understand and sympathize with the challenges, the trials and temptations elected and appointed officials face. When special interest lobbies pay into campaign coffers out of deep pockets, the challenges get harder. Do we vote and lead according to our faith or according to our need for campaign dollars. That is a serious question. Many of those who spoke at the MLK Dedication may be faced with these tough questions. Many of the speakers who had their noses buried in speeches written for them or motivated by special interest agents were possibly saying what their financial backers wanted to hear, while struggling with their consciences over the force of compromise. Pray for them. And be ready to vote your convictions, not out of a sense of misplaced loyalty, but vote your values in the hope that you can help to turn the tide back to God’s righteous justice, and pray for deliverance from God’s judgment. I say this because we can make no bones about it, the August 28, 2011 Dedication, in the face of an earthquake, a hurricane and other signs from God all had to do with God’s judgment. Pray for our leaders, including our President.

God wasn’t in the earthquake, or the wind of the hurricane. We must listen for that “still small voice.”

The loudest voices our President hears today are the lobbyists with their megaphones and mega-bucks as they promote population control, abortion, assaults on procreative marriage and family, massive and crippling co-dependent spending policies, and more. Sadly, where the President should be hearing and experiencing God’s Agape love and Christian prayers and subsequently being convinced that there is a way to help America without endorsing the murder of our innocents, he is receiving strong condemnation. This has nothing to do with politics. It’s just that we should vote our Christian convictions, but we should never be hateful to others in the process. Love and votes are not the same thing. I will vote for pro-life, pro-marriage and family candidates, but I will not cease to pray for our opposition, that God will bless them and touch their hearts.

I have been a guest at the White House five times now. The first time was for a reception when President Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill. The second time was for a visit with President Clinton’s education staff. Three and four were during the Bush administration; one for a roundtable meeting with the President and Black leaders, the next was a private tour where I even saw the Oval Office and the door to the “Situation Room.” On visit five, along with my mother, daughter, brother and a whole host of King family members I accepted an invitation to a White House Reception after the MLK Dedication ceremonies. As we walked along the hallways to the suite where the MLK Reception was being held, it was very memorable to see photographs of the Obamas mixed in among the photos of past presidents. In the rooms we passed, there were classic portraits of other Presidents and First Ladies. It was memorable, to say the least.

Once we arrived to the reception, it was very apparent that the “Old Guard” many of whom were in attendance, including some Congressional Black Caucus Members, were surprised to see me there. Their uneasiness was palatable; you could cut it with a knife. After all, I was in “sacred” territory as far as they were concerned. This President is their President, and conservatives are not welcome in their circles. Oh well…

The White House Maitre ’D visited the table where I was seated, and said that it was an honor to have the King Family in attendance. I was invited to take a picture with President and First Lady Obama. She had taken off her sweater, and was in her classic and well toned sleeveless sheath which was really more bell shaped, with fantastic tucks from the waist down. The persimmon color was flattering. As I stood between the couple – who by the way seemed to be well at ease with each other, complete with banter and smiles – I looked to my left and right and remarked… You are really tall people. They both chuckled and the photographer snapped the photo.

I know that President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy were from Boston, not Camelot. And the Obamas are from Chicago, not Zanzibar, but this experience was like Camelot meets Zanzibar, with the magic and mystery of both legends coming together in the White House only for those few hours. I did not forget for even one moment the serious issues facing our nation. I didn’t lose sight of my convictions while I was walking the corridors of the White House.

Did any of this experience cloud my views on voting? Of course not. Come 2012, I will still vote pro-life and procreative marriage and family. This is just a chronicle of events surrounding the dedication of a monument built to honor my uncle.

After the earthquake and hurricane caused the postponement of the previously scheduled August dedication ceremonies, the park is finally officially dedicated. In the afterglow of the pomp and circumstance of the site, the MLK quotes on the 450 foot wall surrounding the Mountain of Despair and Stone of Hope continues to receive scrutiny and praises from visitors.

“This missed opportunity to carve GOD’s Name on the wall still presents another opportunity. In the Old Testament, God carved His commandments on stone and gave them to Moses to give to God’s people. For many, MLK is known as a modern day Moses, a prophet of God. Today, God carves His Word not on stones, but in the hearts of those who believe and receive His Word.

Many people don’t know that Uncle M. L. was a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It stands to reason that they have never heard of his devotion to Jesus Christ and his message of God’s agape love. I wasn’t consulted on the design of the site. Had I been, I would have asked for GOD’s name to be visible there. Still I see this as a teaching moment, an opportunity to encourage people to read King’s sermons.”

My Aunt Christine King Farris, the children of Martin and Coretta and much of the extended family all feel a certain way about all of this. We miss him. He was a gift to the world, and we lost a beloved family member. Aunt Christine says it best: “My brother wouldn’t have wanted all of the fanfare. He wouldn’t have wanted a statue and all of this. We are grateful for your love and support, but M. L. was a humble man.” I would add that he was a humble man, imperfect as humans tend to be. Yet, he loved and served a perfect God!

During the pre-dedication tour, I asked why the name of God wasn’t inscribed in some of the quotes. I was told that the effort was to be global and universal in scope and that the hope was that people would depart the site wanting to know more about Uncle M. L. Remember, in the Old Testament, God carved His Word on stones. Today, His Word is inscribed in the human heart. I don’t see this as a politically correct versus spiritually aware type of issue even though this is a spiritual battle. And earnest prayers can turn the tide. Along without prayers I see this as an opportunity to witness the love of God and to invite people to read Uncle M. L.’s sermons and learn of his ministry.

As to my vote and President Obama, I prefer “policy over politics.” I generally don’t endorse candidates anymore. I believe just after I endorsed Sam Brownback in his presidential bid, God directed me to “stop endorsing and start praying.” Since then, I have prayed for the success of many friends who have “thrown their hats in the ring.” It is a blessing to vote for and support friends who are candidates, though. Most recently, my good friend Herman Cain is a candidate. I am praying for his success.

My political views are different from the President’s in that I am pro-life and support procreative marriage, while President Obama supports programs that seem to favor anti-life efforts, with Planned Parenthood being at the top of the list. So I will surely cast my vote in the coming election on the life side.

One final question: Do we condemn them or win them? The ultimate goal isn’t political office; it is reaching everyone with God’s love. Vote our values, love our enemies, bless those we encounter… I Corinthians 13:8 says it best. Love never fails. What would Jesus do? God bless…

Staten Island, NY – Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following statement today upon learning of the death of pro-life hero “Prolife Anderson.”

“Over the years I have been inspired by many pro-life activists and have tried to pattern my own life on them, but among those who have inspired me the most was ‘Prolife Anderson.’ This humble, energetic man – who was an orphan — served our nation in the Air Force for two decades, receiving medals of commendation twice. But it was his passionate devotion of unborn children that most dramatically shaped his long life. Whether in Reno, Nevada, or Savannah Georgia, or any of the cities he visited in between, Prolife Anderson spoke publicly his pro-life message to anyone who would listen – and to those who would not listen.

“Many called him crazy. It was an honor, however, to stand with him in city after city against the atrocity of abortion, and to be called crazy with him. As he and I often discussed, we are crazy with love for our unborn brothers and sisters.

“He wore red socks to signify that we are all wading in the blood of the innocent. His car was covered with bumper stickers that gave voice to the voiceless. And in 1987 he had his first name legally changed to “Prolife.” His commitment to our youngest and most vulnerable brothers and sisters – those still in the womb – was absolute and all-consuming.

“That’s what I have learned from him over these years, and that’s how I will honor him, by calling numerous others to join me and my colleagues in a lifetime commitment to ending abortion.”

Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit Priests for Life.